home
a-z of conditions
forums
news
about us
See all conditions
Bones & joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Forum
Resources & Information
Subject index
Credits
Full list of topics
Discovery :
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Original symptoms and visiting a GP
Referral to a rheumatologist, tests & diagnosis
Impact of the diagnosis
Ideas about causes
Impact of diagnosis on family & others
Tests and treatments :
Choosing treatments & taking part in trials
Painkillers
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Steroid tablets, injections & intravenous pulses
Biologic treatments: anti-TNF and B-cell therapy
Long term use of drugs
Regular monitoring and other diagnostic tests
Physiotherapy & hydrotherapy
Occupational therapy
Other hospital specialists
Surgery - introduction
Surgery - upper limb and neck
Surgery - lower limb
Outpatient clinics
Complementary and alternative approaches
Living with rheumatoid arthritis :
Diet & food supplements
Exercise
Personal life and changes to the home
Social life & relationships
Mobility, driving & transport
Work
Financial implications & financial support
Sources of support
Body image
Attitude to RA & facing the future
Self-management
Ongoing symptoms- flares, stiffness & sleep disturbance
Ongoing symptoms- pain, fatigue, depression, weight change
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Parenting & childcare
Messages to others with RA
Messages to health care professionals
Finding information about RA
Search the whole site
Search in this condition
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Subject index
Clip
Bones & joints
>>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
>>
Disease duration 26 years plus
>>
Interview 34
>>
Her special boots and insoles are made to measure but she has had to wait and had problems getting the latest pair.
Diagnosed 1957. Had one of the first knee replacements (R) in 1961 but restricted movement since. First left knee replacement lasted approx 30 years and revision 10 years. 8 toes removed. Has taken Prednisolone (5mg) for 41 years.
Bones & joints
>>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
>>
Disease duration 21-25 years
>>
Interview 05
>>
The orthotist has provided made to measure shoes and also insoles for her slip-on shoes.
RA diagnosed as significant symptoms after birth of 2nd child. Complementary treatments used. Takes Diclofenac 15mg & 2 Coproxamol daily. 10 operations: hips, knees & shoulder replacement/revision; neck, ankle & toe fusions, and removal of bone in 1 elbow.
Bones & joints
>>
Rheumatoid Arthritis
>>
Disease duration 16-20 years
>>
Interview 03
>>
The shoes that the orthotist made her were unattractive and she didn't wear them but insoles helped.
RA diagnosed '86. For 10 years chose NSAIDs/pain killers and complementary therapies. DMARD treatments started 1996 (various). 2 replacement shoulders 2000. Started Infliximab 9/02. Less pain/tiredness but pre-existing damage means hip replacement '04.
Mail to a friend